The M23 rebels are sending a delegation to Angola for peace talks with the DR Congo government on March 18, as announced by President João Lourenço. This represents the first direct engagement since the conflict began in November 2021. The talks focus on resolving ongoing issues related to ethnic violence and governmental corruption.
The M23 rebels, part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), announced they will send a five-member delegation to Luanda, Angola, for peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government. These negotiations are set to take place on March 18, with M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stating the team will depart on March 17. The peace talks were initiated by Angolan President João Lourenço following discussions with DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi on March 11.
This will be the first direct engagement between the M23 rebels and the DRC government since the conflict erupted in November 2021. Kanyuka expressed gratitude towards President Lourenço for facilitating these discussions, which he hopes will lead to a resolution. Reports indicate that Congolese Deputy Prime Minister Jean Pierre Bemba will represent the DRC in Luanda.
M23 has accused the DRC government of supporting militias like the FDLR, involved in ethnic cleansing against Congolese Tutsi communities. The ongoing conflict has led to significant regional and international calls for dialogue, especially after the rebels captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu earlier this year. The M23’s resurgence in 2021 followed almost ten years of inactivity, highlighting the deterioration of governance and the corruption challenges facing the DRC.
Angolan President Lourenço has been mediating the Luanda Peace Process since mid-2022, which sought to improve Rwanda-DR Congo relations. However, this process stalled in December 2024 when the DRC government declined to sign a proposed agreement that would enable direct negotiations with M23.
The upcoming peace talks in Luanda between M23 rebels and the DRC government represent a crucial opportunity to address ongoing conflicts in the region. With direct discussions initiated by Angolan President João Lourenço, both parties aim to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The session follows years of accusations against the DRC government regarding militia support and highlights the need for addressing underlying governance issues in the DRC.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
